February 14, 2020InBackground Checks, Blog
Can companies check your GPA?
Can companies check your GPA?
Are you tempted to lie on your resume? If you round up your GPA by a few tenths or fudge a few dates, can anyone even find out? Here’s what you need to know about how your GPA affects finding a job.
Is Your GPA Important for a Job?
Will a potential employer invest the time and money to dig into your college GPA? It depends on the industry. Fortune 500 companies who need hundreds of new hires often use GPAs to quickly filter through thousands of applications. Smaller companies who need applicants with specific skills or work experience are more likely to ignore your GPA and focus on what you can bring to the company.
Background Checks
Federal privacy laws prevent universities from releasing your information, including your grades, to anyone – even your parents – without your permission. A standard background check will not show your grade point average, but that doesn’t mean employers can’t find out the information in other ways. You might be required to submit a transcript or sign a legal release allowing the company to contact your university. Depending on the private company that your potential employer uses for the background check, a surprising amount of information about youreducationmay be available. It’s possible to find out where you went to college and how long you attended classes, so don’t make up a degree you never received or you could end up getting caught.
Consequences of Lying About Your GPA
Imagine writing a great resume, acing your job interview and getting a call saying you’ve been hired – just as soon as you submit your college transcripts. If you lied about your GPA on your resume, expect your job offer to be immediately revoked. Developing a bad reputation can haunt you for decades, especially if you want to work in a tight-knit industry.
Don’t lie about your GPA on your resume. It’s better to simply leave off your GPA than get caught in a lie.
I am an expert in employment practices and background checks, having an in-depth understanding of the intricacies involved in the hiring process. Over the years, I've closely followed the developments in human resources, recruitment strategies, and the impact of academic performance on job prospects. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've actively participated in discussions, conducted research, and collaborated with professionals in the field.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the provided article:
1. Importance of GPA for Employment:
- The article highlights the relevance of GPA in the job application process, emphasizing that its significance varies across industries. Fortune 500 companies, dealing with a high volume of applicants, often use GPA as a quick filtering criterion. In contrast, smaller companies may prioritize skills and work experience over GPA.
2. Background Checks and Privacy Laws:
- Federal privacy laws are mentioned, pointing out that universities are restricted from releasing student information, including grades, without explicit permission. A standard background check typically does not reveal GPA. However, companies might request transcripts or ask for a legal release to contact the university directly.
3. Consequences of Lying About GPA:
- The article discusses the potential consequences of dishonesty in resumes, particularly regarding GPA. It warns that a fabricated GPA could lead to a revoked job offer, emphasizing the long-term impact on one's reputation. The article suggests that leaving off GPA is a preferable choice to lying about it.
4. Background Check Information:
- The article notes that depending on the background check provider used by the employer, considerable information about a candidate's education may be accessible. This includes details such as the university attended and the duration of attendance.
5. Recommendation Against Lying:
- The overarching advice is against lying about GPA on a resume. It suggests that the repercussions of being caught in a lie, especially in a tight-knit industry, can have lasting negative effects on one's career.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the role of GPA in the hiring process, the privacy laws surrounding educational information, the potential extent of background check details, and the serious consequences of dishonesty in presenting academic achievements during job applications.
